Germany

Boating holidays in Germany

In Germany, boating holidays mean watching the lakes slowly unfold from the deck of your boat. There’s no better way to enjoy these immense landscapes than by taking the helm of a self-drive boat, with no license required, and becoming a skipper.

From Berlin to the Baltic Sea, head north on Germany’s waterways

Mecklenburg or Brandenburg… struggling to make up your mind? Wherever you start from in Germany, boating holidays are relaxing and stunning. Go where the waterways take you.

Our destinations

Mecklenburg Lakes

Saale Valley

Boating holidays on Germany’s great lakes: something to try at least once in your life

Germany is a country of lakes and home to one of most famous in the world, Lake Constance. Here, fishing, boating and swimming are the basis of a whole culture and way of life, with thousands of lakes for families to explore on a self-drive boat. For many years now, all the equipment and infrastructure has been in place, from resorts to simple pontoons, to meet the needs of boat crews without spoiling the character of these wild areas or reducing the incredible purity of the water. It’s an experience that gives you an all-round view of the country, including its history and art. If you rent a boat here, you’ll have the chance to discover famous towns such as Potsdam, with its famous Sanssouci Palace, Schwerin or Berlin, where traces of the past meet futuristic architecture. And Germany knows how to treat its guests: whether you’re crazy about the sausages in the local bar or prefer dried fish to smoke yourself, you’ll enjoy the food. Everywhere you go, there are enormous panoramas and wonderful sunsets. Relaxing on your Pénichette®, which couldn’t be easier to handle and requires no licence to drive, you could spend your days rocked by the gentle water and humming along to classic German pop tunes: you could easily forget what year it is.

A waterways cruise in Germany’s lake country: in harmony with nature

Water comes into its own in Germany’s north-east. Lakes of all sizes are connected by rivers and waterways, offering a number of interesting routes to explore on your self-drive boat. And the fun is not just on the water: the journey continues on land in a region rich in historic and natural heritage. Berlin, Potsdam and the many castles and palaces overlooking the water will have you rushing to the shore! The ornate Baroque style of architecture, common in the region, gives monuments a timeless elegance. To stretch your legs, grab a rucksack and a sturdy pair of shoes and take a walk in the forest. One tip: take some binoculars to watch the birdlife in the local nature reserves. Lake Müritz in Mecklenburg has National Park status and is home to 150 bird species that enjoy prime nesting spots close to Germany’s largest lake. You’ll want to spend several days crossing these majestic open spaces, savouring the peace and quiet on your Pénichette®.

Pricing and Availability

Departure on Saturday: minimum 7 days. For short stays: departure on Monday or Friday Remember to provide details of your crew to benefit from additional discounts. Please note: 1 May is a public holiday in France and, exceptionally, all locks will be closed on that day.

Routes	Boats

France

Welcome to the home of waterways tourism. If you’re looking for a canal cruise, France is the obvious destination. Its canals and rivers form a vast network of routes, offering fantastic opportunities for boating holidays.

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Hungary

Explore Hungary in complete freedom aboard a license-free boat, along the Tisza River and up to the lake of the same name. Between wild landscapes, authentic villages, and the vineyards of Tokaj, enjoy a peaceful cruise that is accessible to all.

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Ireland

In Ireland, boat hire holidays are not just a good idea – they’re the obvious way to see the country. Reinvent yourself while you steer your self-drive boat, with the sound of U2 or the Cranberries in the background. Rent a boat from one of our bases and set off on a waterways cruise through a land that’s greener than green.

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Italy

When it comes to boat hire holidays, Italy offers some spectacular waterways for exploring this fascinating, surprising country that you’re bound to fall in love with. There’s nothing cooler than cruising along, your hair flying in the wind, as if you’re in a film. It’s going to be La Dolce Vita afloat!

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Netherlands

The Dutch are just as passionate about boats as they are about cycling – and it’s no wonder. The Netherlands has hundreds of kilometres of waterways, perfect for boating holidays, giving you dozens of options for your Holland cruise.

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Portugal

Cruise Lago Alqueva in southern Portugal on a license-free boat. Enjoy easy sailing, sunny weather, and stops in traditional villages in the heart of Alentejo. Accessible to all, even beginners.

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Holiday ideas

Wine & Food

Discover the finest vineyards and savour the richness of their aromas: aboard your license-free boat, enjoy a river cruise along the Wine Route as you explore the scenic slopes of renowned wine estates.

Heritage

Canal boat rental cruise: Perfect for History Lovers

A canal boat rental cruise is ideal for history lovers, offering deep immersion in heritage and culture. As you navigate aboard your boat, you’ll have the chance to explore iconic regions that can only be accessed via waterways. Along canals, rivers, and lakes, you can visit grand medieval castles, ancient abbeys, architecturally distinctive villages, and heritage-listed monuments.

Each stop immerses you in a world where time seems to stand still, with cobbled streets, historic churches, local museums, and beautifully preserved half-timbered houses. Beyond architectural discoveries, you can also enjoy the local culture by visiting markets, tasting regional products, or exploring UNESCO-listed sites on a river cruise through France.

Swimming

Whether you enjoy sunbathing on the deck of your boat, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or taking part in water activities, renting a boat gives you the freedom to plan the perfect vacation.

During your river cruise, you can:

– Swim in rivers and lakes
– Sunbathe on natural beaches
– Visit water parks with pools and slides
– Enjoy activities at watersport centers
– Swim directly from your Riverly boat

100% Natural

From rivers to canals, nature reveals itself along the water. From the deck of your boat, flora and fauna are all around you. On board, let yourself be soothed by the peaceful surroundings. A landscape or animal catches your eye? You’re free to stop wherever you like and explore the area.

By choosing a boat rental with Riverly, you can:

– Moor along untouched riverbanks
– Spot herons and kingfishers right from your boat
– Discover wild landscapes along the water
– Learn more about local wildlife from lock keepers
– Enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities in natural settings

Canal du Midi & Camargue

Bourgogne & Environs

Lacs du Mecklembourg

Lagune de Venise

Grande Lago

Shannon & Erne

Venice Lagoon

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Boating holidays in Germany

From Berlin to the Baltic Sea, head north on Germany’s waterways

Our destinations

Boating holidays on Germany’s great lakes: something to try at least once in your life

A waterways cruise in Germany’s lake country: in harmony with nature

Pricing and Availability

Pricing and Availability

France

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Netherlands

Portugal

Holiday ideas

Wine & Food

Heritage

Swimming

100% Natural

They travelled with Riverly

4,4

Les questions fréquentes

Oenotourisme & Gastronomie

City Break

Baignade

Golf

En couple

En famille

Entre amis

Week-end & Courts séjours

Une semaine

Longs séjours

Avril

Mai

Juin

Oenotourisme & Gastronomie

City Break

Baignade

Golf

En couple

En famille

Entre amis

Week-end & Courts séjours

Une semaine

Longs séjours

Avril

Mai

Juin